Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies rabies as a neglected tropical disease that is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, the organization says the disease is preventable through timely post-exposure treatment and vaccination of dogs, which account for about 99 per cent of human rabies infections. Albeit available preventive measures, rabies remains a major public health concern worldwide, causing an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia. Furthermore, the organization says dog bites remain the leading source of human rabies infections, while timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent deaths after exposure. Similarly, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has identified rabies as a priority zoonotic disease requiring stronger coordination between veterinary and public health authorities.